CLEARWATER, Fla. — Adam Morgan’s latest audition for the final opening in the Phillies’ starting pitching rotation was cut short by rain Thursday night.
Morgan had completed a third shutout inning against the Atlanta Braves when rain forced the cancellation of the game. The game was scoreless when the rains came. Morgan allowed two hits and a walk and struck out two during his three innings of work.
For the spring, Morgan has pitched 12 innings and allowed two runs. He is locked in a battle with Vince Velasquez for the final opening in the Phils’ rotation. Both pitchers line up to have one more start before the Phillies leave Florida next week.
The competition could go right down to the wire.
“It’s interesting,” manager Pete Mackanin said. “It’s kind of fun. I think both of them are going to finish strong and then it’s no longer fun because you have to make a tough decision.”
Morgan is a lefty. He made 15 starts for the big club last season.
Velasquez is a righty. He joined the Phillies in the deal that sent Ken Giles to the Houston Astros in December.
The other four pitchers in the Phils’ season-opening rotation are right-handers.
Does Mackanin want a lefty in his rotation?
“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I just want the best five starters I can find. I’d like to take the best pitcher.
“It's going to boil down to who has the best command of their pitches.”
Up next
The Phillies play their third straight night game Friday, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Opening-day starter Jeremy Hellickson will be on the mound for the Phils.